If you’re looking into secure communication options, you might be familiar with Telegram, a messaging and VOIP service that operates in the cloud. This application enables users to send messages, photos, video streams, audio files, and other types of files anonymously.
Nonetheless, despite its popularity, Telegram isn’t regarded as a highly secure communication app. Messages are encrypted solely on the client side, and various cryptography experts have pointed out flaws in the app’s security framework. For instance, all messages and contacts are stored along with their decryption keys, and there’s a lack of end-to-end encryption for messages. Furthermore, the custom encryption protocol used by Telegram has been shown to possess significant security vulnerabilities and reliability concerns.
Because of these issues, many users continue to use Telegram for messaging but seek ways to remain anonymous while utilizing the service.
In particular, numerous individuals are keen on using Telegram but prefer to conceal their phone numbers on the app. This article provides a guide on how to achieve that.
Is It Possible to Conceal My Phone Number on Telegram?
When registering for Telegram, you are required to grant the app access to make and receive calls and provide your phone number. Regrettably, if you wish to register on your main device, you must furnish this information.
However, it’s important to note that Telegram does not utilize your number for communication purposes and does not disclose it to other users. Your account’s username serves as your identification token within the service.
Other users on Telegram will only see your phone number if you have saved their number in your contacts and synced your contacts with the app. This includes friends, any contacts on your phone, and anyone whose phone number you have chosen to share.
This system is straightforward and offers a degree of privacy. As long as you do not save the individual’s number in your contacts, they will solely view your Telegram username. Nevertheless, there is a method to hide your phone number on Telegram. To accomplish this, follow these steps:
- Launch the Telegram app and select Settings, found in the lower left corner.
- Select Privacy and Security.
- Tap on Phone number.
- Choose either My Contacts (your phone number will be visible to your contacts) or Nobody (your phone number will not be visible to anyone).
By doing this, your phone number will remain hidden within the app. However, keep in mind that your phone number is still linked to your account.
Additional Privacy Tips for Telegram
Telegram takes steps to protect your privacy in the application. Messages are stored locally on your device instead of on Telegram’s servers, safeguarding them from unauthorized access.
When a message is removed, it is erased for all parties involved, allowing you to manage what is visible in the conversation. Nonetheless, there are various adjustments you can apply to Telegram to further enhance the privacy of your chats.
Here are a few methods to bolster the security of your Telegram experience.
Chats that Self-destruct
Telegram features a Secret Chat option that employs end-to-end encryption and can self-destruct after a designated time. You will need to configure a timer for these chats, but afterward, the process runs automatically. For chats that you want to remain undiscoverable, this feature is particularly valuable.
- Initiate a secret chat in Telegram.
- Tap on the three-dot menu icon.
- Choose Set self-destruct timer and select a duration.
Once the timer is activated, all messages exchanged in that chat will be deleted after the time expires. Additionally, Telegram disables your smartphone’s screenshot capabilities while you are engaged in a secret chat, providing an extra layer of privacy.
Prevent Screenshots from Showing in Your Phone Gallery
If you’d like to stop your Telegram screenshots from appearing in the media gallery of your phone, there’s a way to do that. You can choose exactly which media can be accessed outside of Telegram, helping you avoid the chance of unintentionally displaying images while browsing through your gallery.
For Android Users:
- Access Telegram’s Settings.
- Select Chat Settings.
- Set Save to gallery to Off.
For iOS Users:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Choose Privacy and Photos.
- Switch Telegram to off.
You will still have access to that media within Telegram, though it will not show up elsewhere on your device.
Establish a Passcode
- Launch Telegram and select Settings.
- Select Privacy and Security.
- Tap on Passcode Lock, then select Turn Passcode On.
- If prompted, enter your passcode and then re-enter it.
From this point forward, a PIN entry will be required each time you launch Telegram. Ensure that you memorize your PIN or securely store it, as it is essential for accessing your Telegram account.
Hide Last Seen for Chosen Contacts in Telegram
As you may already know, Telegram reveals the last time you accessed the application to other users. If your goal is to evade someone or to have private conversations, adhere to the following steps.
- Launch Settings within the Telegram app.
- Choose Privacy and Security.
- Click on Last Seen & Online.
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- Choose between Everybody, My Contacts, or Nobody.
Creating a Telegram Account Without Using Your Phone Number
As mentioned earlier, it is clear that signing up for Telegram requires a phone number. However, this number does not necessarily have to be YOUR own.
Telegram only requires the number for the initial verification of the account. Therefore, a number that is not linked to your identity can be supplied. There are multiple ways to register on Telegram without leaving a trace of your true identity.
Utilize a Landline
Using a landline instead of a mobile phone for Telegram registration is possible. If SMS cannot be received, Telegram will make a call to a voice number to provide you with the verification code instead. Payphones still exist, and some accept incoming calls.
You could also borrow a phone from a library or shop. Some healthcare facilities have public phones located in the lobby for making calls. If you can receive that single call from Telegram, it can keep you untraceable.
Employ Google Voice
Google Voice is a VOIP service offered by Google. By creating a Google Voice account, you obtain a local phone number, which must be associated with a Google account, yet generating a new anonymous Google account is straightforward.
- Log out of all your existing Google accounts.
- Create a new Google account.
- After setting up your new account, link it to a fresh Google Voice account.
- Select a phone number
“` - Register for Telegram using your Google Voice number as the contact detail.
- From your Google Voice account, retrieve the authorization code and input it into Telegram.
Use a Temporary Number
If creating a new Google pseudonym sounds too complicated, consider signing up for a burner number. Numerous services offer a temporary phone number or a second line without requiring extensive identity verification.
Among several options, FreePhoneNum provides an ideal free service for your needs. You can secure a temporary number at no cost, which is then recycled for use by others in the future.
Since this service and Telegram are entirely separate entities, there will be no trace linking you to that particular temporary number used for your Telegram registration.
- Access FreePhoneNum and select one of the visible numbers.
- Input the selected number in Telegram.
- Check FreePhoneNum for the SMS containing the verification code from Telegram.
- Input this verification code back into Telegram.
Use a burner phone
It remains feasible to purchase older feature phones (non-smartphones that still connect to cellular networks) from thrift stores or via the private market. Alternatively, you can acquire someone else’s old phone that still provides SMS functionality for a few dollars.
This option is a
Although the phone resale world has its shady aspects, as these devices are often acquired for criminal activities, it is not illegal to possess a phone that isn’t linked to your identity.
After acquiring the phone, utilize it to register for Telegram, then dispose of it. You can log into Telegram on your main device using your username and password, without needing to verify your identity again. Just remember to disable “Two-Factor Verification” in the Settings to ensure you won’t need that phone number in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide my last name on Telegram?
Unfortunately, Telegram does not allow us to conceal either our first or last names from others. However, you can alter your name within the application. Click on the three horizontal lines located in the upper left corner, then tap on Settings. On the subsequent page, select the three vertical dots in the upper right corner. From the menu, choose Edit name. Input the name you wish to display and click the checkmark at the top right corner.
Final Thoughts
While Telegram may not be the most secure messaging platform, it does provide certain security features, and there are steps you can take to enhance its protection. By implementing the suggestions outlined above, you can effortlessly create a Telegram account anonymously and modify your settings to safeguard your privacy.
If you have additional tips for enhancing Telegram’s security, feel free to share them in the comments section below!